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Fly Away Cafe - Where travel is a way of life

May 17th, 2008

Travel Product: Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

I’m one of those people who think the airplane is always too chilly. 
On overnight flights across country or to Europe it’s usually hard to get a comfortable temperature.  And coming from a warm climate back to chilly Seattle is always difficult.
I NEVER use the blankets on the airplane.  I know that they swear […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

May 16th, 2008

Flight Attendant Friday: Lift My Bag

While this is a hypothetical question, infused with a bit of humor for entertainment value, perhaps you can see the underlying issue.
 
Q.  (Asked by a 6′4″ burly looking guy, with two large (and heavy looking) carry on bags in one hand, and a cell phone glued to his ear with the other.)  Hey - […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 3 comments

May 14th, 2008

Back to Basics: Stand Right, Walk Left

There is etiquette to be considered on escalators and moving sidewalks.  It’s really very simple —
STAND RIGHT — WALK LEFT!
What does this mean? 
If you are going to remain stationary while riding the escalator or the people-mover (moving sidewalk), stand single file on the right side, allowing people who are walking to pass […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 6 comments

May 10th, 2008

Find Your "BEST" Seat on the Plane

Everyone wants the “BEST” seat on an airplane, but how “BEST” is defined varies from traveler to traveler.
For some, best means First Class or Business Class.  Okay, I’m with you on that one!
But what if you’re in coach?  Is it possible to get a “BEST” seat there?
That’s where the debate begins.
Many travelers believe that an […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 5 comments

May 1st, 2008

SHHHHHH! Bill Introduced that Would Ban Cell Phone Use During Flight

If the thought of being stuck at 40,000 feet with the incessant chattering of cell phone users all about makes you shudder, you’ll want to act to support recently introduced legistlation.
Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon has introduced H.R. 5788 or the HANG UP Act. (HANG UP is an acronym for Halting Airplane Noise to […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 4 comments

April 30th, 2008

Back to Basics: Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel

As if getting to the airport isn’t tough enough, most of us have to figure out how to get from our destination airport to our hotel.  And this is another time when some planning, and asking a few questions, can be a real savings.
Public transportation:  I’m a big believe in public transportation.  When at […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 4 comments

March 28th, 2008

Flight Attendant Friday: Checking in for Flights

This question has been asked by several readers, but I’ll give acknowledgment to Sam, the first to ask it.
 
Q.  How early do you have to check in for your flight?
A.  While it varies from carrier to carrier, and is usually a negotiated part of the collective bargaining agreement, most Flight Attendants are required to […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

March 26th, 2008

Back to Basics: 10 Tips for Laptop Use on the Plane

Using your laptop while flying requires a little common sense, practical considerations, and some basic etiquette.  The competing interests are protecting your privacy, keeping your “stuff” contained within your personal space and not spilling out into other’s space, and making sure that you keep your laptop protected from damage.
Here are a few tips, most […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 3 comments

March 21st, 2008

Flight Attendant Friday: Security Lines

Today’s Flight Attendant Friday question is one that I am frequently asked.  It’s usually muttered under someone’s breath, and often in a rather harsh tone.  See if you can relate.
 
Q.  Why do Flight Attendants get to cut in front of the security line?  I’ve been waiting a long time, and it just isn’t fair.
A.  […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 1 comment

March 8th, 2008

Flight Attendant Friday (the Saturday Edition): Air Sickness

Today’s question (or rather yesterday’s question) about the life of a Flight Attendant comes from fellow b5media blogger, Tris at Maple Leaf 2.0
 
Q:  Do you get airsick?
A:  Remarkably, no.  I say “remarkably” because I do get car sick. 
I don’t recall having this problem as a child, so I’m not sure when it started […]

By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 4 comments

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